More Updates for the Month of June

June 20, 2024

In recent years, we’ve witnessed increasingly severe storms, leading to increased flooding. And, this hurricane season is predicted to be a particularly active one because of rising global temperatures. As a coastal state, we must take steps to address climate change.

In the last session, we passed several bills to expand clean energy initiatives. 

Expanding solar: We passed a bill to expand the use of solar power in the state and, in particular, remove limits on new solar production, and expand permitting for solar canopies – ground- or roof-mounted structures designed to hold solar panels. 

Expanding renewable energy delivery: We also passed a bill to make it easier for the state to procure more renewable energy, like wind and hydropower, and deliver it at lower prices to consumers.   

Power generated by renewable energy sources like wind and solar doesn’t produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and can help mitigate  climate change. As a representative of a district with miles of coastline, I was pleased to help pass these bills.
Fighting for our Libraries
 
Celebrating Juneteenth
Yesterday marked an important day in our American history. On June 19, 1865, about 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to announce that the more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were free. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and represents a crucial moment in our ongoing journey toward equality and justice.
 
Juneteenth is a day of commemoration and celebration. We commemorate those who have dedicated and continue to dedicate their lives to the fight for equality. We celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of Black Americans, as well as their contributions to this nation. We are fortunate to be a diverse nation - this diversity is a strength we must honor and cultivate.
 
In the words of Maya Angelou, “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” We know there is more work to do to safeguard the freedoms we have achieved and to ensure each and every individual in our country can enjoy them.
Greenwich Preservation Trust

I was so happy to attend the Greenwich Preservation Trust’s gathering to celebrate the work of Jo Conboy.

The homes and buildings that the Trust seeks to preserve remind us of Greenwich's rich history. The Thomas Lyon House exemplifies our town's deep roots as part of the Freedom Trail — history we would do well to remember.
Filling in the Blanks
I had a great time volunteering at Filling in the Blank’s mobile food pantry at Cloonan Middle School in Stamford last week. We distributed 26,000 lbs. of food to 450 families. The mobile food pantry complements Filling in the Blanks’ main mission of fighting childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends. Making sure that children have access to nutrition is one of the keys to making sure they can learn and succeed in school.
Scouts of America
It was a pleasure to join the Scouts of America for the ribbon cutting for a new bridge at Camp Seton - the more than a century old Scouting camp in town. The bridge was repaired thanks to a $250,000 grant the Greenwich House delegation secured after being wiped out by Hurricane Ida.
Parent Leadership Training Institute Graduation
It was a great pleasure to attend the @spefct Parent Leadership Training Institute graduation ceremony.

Congratulations to all the graduates and families! I know these graduates will have an enormous impact on making life in CT even better. Their leadership will go a long way in putting children of all ages on a path to lifelong success. I look forward to working with them to craft the best policies for our children.
Free Summer Meals
CT Foodshare is providing free summer meals for our kids! 

For sites near you visit www.ctsummermeals.org or call 211. Text summer meals to 914-342-7744. 
Support "Boots & Shoes"
Help the Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund provide back-to-school shoes to local Greenwich children by supporting “Boots & Shoes.” 

The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund (GDHS Fund) is stepping up to ensure local children have proper footwear with their upcoming "Boots & Shoes" fundraiser. This initiative aims to raise funds to provide DSW gift cards to children between the ages of 5 and 15 from low-income families. These gift cards will be redeemable online and in-store at any DSW location, allowing children to choose shoes that fit their needs and style. Gift cards will be distributed in August, before the new school year. 
The GDHS Fund is seeking donations from the Greenwich community to support "Boots & Shoes." Please consider donating today!
Greenwich Alliance for Education Summer Camp
You can register now! 
July 1-12 (closed July 4) Weekdays 8:45am-12:15pm, CMS
Session 1: World Building & Game Design
July 15-26  Weekdays 8:45am-12:15pm, CMS
Session 2: Drones & Robotics & Coding 

MORE INFO/REGISTER HERE

 
The Greenwich Alliance for Education is a public/private funding partner to the Greenwich Public Schools. Funding Innovation, Expanding Opportunities, Inspiring Educators
Camp Seton Registration Open
Fourth of July Celebrations in Stamford & Greenwich
Learn more HERE.
Learn more HERE.
Kids in Crisis Teen Talk Summit
RSVP and learn more details HERE about this event that will be taking place from 9-11am at Oxridge Elementary School in Darien, CT.   
Greenwich YWCA's Young Women's Initiative